Transportation

The advantage of the Buck's remote location is that we are surrounded by open air and nature. The disadvantage is our remoteness makes getting to work a little challenging, especially when you don't own a car. The good news is that there are lots of different types of public transportation in and around Marin County. While they may not get you directly from home straight to the Buck, you can use a combination of methods to make it work, i.e., take the bus then train, etc.

In addition, fare costs are reasonable, but you can have additional savings by purchasing monthly passes or Clipper cards. Conveniently, local rides within Marin share the same fare system so that free transfers are interchangeable – for example, you can use your Marin Transit transfer to Golden Gate Transit or to/from the SMART train. We've listed some transportation options below to help you navigate the system.

Parking at the Buck

Parking is free at the Buck. We offer two lots for employees, associates, and tenants. We also have a dedicated lot for visitors, reserved parking spots for those with valid disabled placards, and EV charging stations for those with electric vehicles. 

Buck Commuter/Transit Benefits for Employees

Buck employees who plan to take public transportation on a regular basis may choose to participate in the Commuter/Transit Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program. Participants can elect to set aside a portion of pay (pre-tax) in each paycheck to use for eligible work-related transit expenses. Since the money used to fund the program isn’t taxed, you can save between 25% and 40% on every purchase.

The key advantage of a commuter program is that it covers just about every possible way you can travel to and from work so long as it is some form of public transit. This includes:

• Bus, train, and ferry

• Parking at or near public transportation for your commute (i.e., at the ferry terminal or train station)

Remember that this is only good for work-related commuting and parking. Gas and toll fees are not eligible expenses.

Buck Shuttle

For those who take mass transit and need a ride from the San Marin train station up to the Buck, we currently offer a shuttle between 8am-9am and 5pm-6pm. Please contact Human Resources at HRRequests@buckinstitute.org for more information.

Marin Transit

Marin Transit is the bus system that serves Marin County. Buses have local fixed routes and run on a fixed schedule.

o   Marin Transit bus schedule: https://marintransit.org/routes/71x  

o   Marin Transit bus route map: https://marintransit.org/map

o   Marin Transit trip planner: https://marintransit.org/

Fares

Fares are $2 per trip. Discounts are available based on age, disability, and advance purchase. Your cash fare gives you up to two free transfers on all Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit buses within Marin County for two hours.

Advise the driver of your destination when boarding the bus and, if you need a transfer to continue your trip, be sure to ask for one when paying your fare. If you are using Clipper, you do not need to obtain a transfer, as transfers are automatically tracked on your card.

Transfers have the following restrictions:

1.    Travel must be made within two hours from time of issuance or otherwise indicated on the transfer.

2.    Travel can be made on any local route and in any direction within the two-hour window.

3.    Transfers are issued by bus operator only at time fare is paid. Advise driver or agent of your destination and intention to transfer when boarding.

4. A transfer can be used only by the person to whom it is issued.

For more information on fare cost, usages, and regulations, see Marin Transit Fares.

Golden Gate Transit

Golden Gate Transit, like Marin Transit, has fixed routes and times. These larger buses offer ride services in Sonoma County, Marin, Contra Costa County, and some parts of San Francisco.

Fare cost will vary depending on trip length and number of fare zones and transfers.

Clipper Card

A Clipper Card is an all-in-one transit card used for public travel throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. You can use Clipper Cards on Marin Transit, the SMART train, the ferry, etc. Click here to view the many services where you can use your card.

How it works:

You load money into the card and use it to purchase bus passes or ferry tickets. The card is reusable, reloadable, and accepted on other transit systems in the Bay Area. The Clipper also offers discounts compared to cash or paper tickets. Note that while the cash amount on the card won’t expire, the passes and tickets that you purchase with it do expire.

HINT: A Clipper card costs $3 if you buy it at a staffed location. But if you buy it online, it’s free!

SMART Train

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, or SMART, train runs along the tracks from the Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa to Larkspur Landing Circle (across the footbridge from the ferry terminal to San Francisco). The train makes three stops in Novato: San Marin Station (a 15-minute walk from the Buck), downtown Novato, and Hamilton.  

Clipper Cards are accepted and Clipper Card vending machines are available on all SMART platforms.

You may bring your bikes on board SMART trains, or if you prefer to leave your bike at the station, there are bike racks and secured bike lockers for riders to use.

For fares and train schedule, please check here.

The Buck Shuttle provides rides to and from the San Marin SMART station and the Buck. For more information, contact Human Resources at  HRRequests@buckinstitute.org. 

Lyft/Uber

Lyft and Uber are a type of taxi service that can be accessed via an app. Once you download the app, create an account (with payment information such as a credit card) and enter your destination address and your pick-up location. You can choose your preferred ride type (regular vehicles for 4 passengers, larger vehicles for 6 passengers, vehicle with child car seat, etc.) If you prefer not to use the app, you can request rides via the web: for Uber, go to m.uber.com; for Lyft, go to ride.lyft.com.

Once you book your ride, the app allows you to track your driver so that you’ll know when they’re close by your pick-up location. Be sure to wait for them at the pick-up location since their time waiting for you will be counted in the final price.

Both Lyft and Uber will send you the name and picture of the person picking you up, as well as the number plate, car make, and model of the car he/she is driving. Before you get into any car, please make sure that the info given to you by Lyft/Uber matches the driver! And while instantly jumping into the backseat in some countries is considered rude, most drivers here prefer that you sit in the back.

All payment is done by credit card, so you do not have to carry any money with you for the ride. Once the ride is complete, you’ll use the app to finish payment and add a tip if you’d like. Tipping drivers is completely optional. Generally, tips can be between $1-$5 for short trips or 15-20% of the total fare. Determination for the tip can be anything from taking shorter routes for you not to be late to having extra perks like water bottles and charging cables in the car for your convenience.

Questions? Email HRRequests@buckinstitute.org